Her Story
About Lisa
Lisa Torres is an accomplished nonprofit fundraising executive, executive coach, and consultant with more than two decades of experience helping mission-driven organizations strengthen their fundraising capacity and achieve sustainable growth. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lisa has built an extensive career cultivating relationships with major and principal donors, securing significant gifts, developing strategic partnerships, and strengthening nonprofit leadership. Her professional background includes senior fundraising roles with Habitat for Humanity International and World Vision US, where she managed major donor portfolios, developed advisory councils, engaged multicultural and diaspora communities, and collaborated closely with senior leadership to advance organizational missions.
Since 2018, Lisa has worked as an independent fundraising consultant and executive coach, providing strategic guidance primarily to small nonprofit organizations. She works closely with executive directors, boards, and fundraising teams to develop effective fundraising systems, strengthen board engagement, provide training and mentoring, and pursue major gifts and grant opportunities. Her expertise also includes strategic planning, organizational turnarounds, process improvement, stakeholder management, talent development, and facilitating consensus among diverse groups. Through her consulting practice, Lisa helps nonprofits navigate complex challenges while building the relationships, systems, and leadership capabilities necessary for long-term success.
Lisa holds a B.A. in Psychology from St. Mary's University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Her leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity, curiosity, consistency, and professional follow-through, with an emphasis on helping organizations discover sustainable solutions rather than simply providing answers. She credits supportive women mentors, strong relationships, and her faith as important influences on her professional journey and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women leaders. Today, Lisa continues to combine her extensive fundraising experience with executive coaching to help nonprofit leaders and organizations expand their impact and better serve their communities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lisa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the women who believed in me, modeled what was possible, and generously shared their time, knowledge, and connections. Their support gave me confidence in my own potential, while my faith in God has been a powerful foundation throughout my journey. Because others invested in me, I feel deeply committed to creating opportunities and empowering other women to succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from Myrna Mayotte, who taught me the power of recognizing potential and creating opportunities through meaningful connections. She encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, enter rooms I might have hesitated to enter, and trust that I belonged there. Her generosity, mentorship, and willingness to open doors have inspired me to do the same for other women and emerging leaders.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to dive in. Volunteer, serve on a board, or connect with an issue you’re passionate about, then explore how your skills can contribute to that cause or organization. One mentor once challenged me to consider whether communities should rely solely on government or whether people should also have a voice in shaping solutions. That question inspired me to help establish my first foundation and showed me the power of getting involved and making a difference.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see a tremendous opportunity in the continued generosity of people who want to make a difference, as philanthropy continues to grow. At the same time, nonprofits must be prepared to clearly communicate measurable outcomes and, just as importantly, tell the stories of the lives they have changed. Donor fatigue can be a challenge, but it can be overcome by building genuine relationships and treating donors as partners in creating meaningful impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is the most important value to me, along with building trust in every relationship I have. I also value curiosity and believe I should never enter a space assuming I have all the answers. I strive to listen, understand the perspectives and interests of others, and help them discover solutions for themselves. Consistency and professionalism are equally important to me—I believe in keeping my word, following through, and always honoring my commitments.
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